Beat the heat and stay safe this summer with the perfect summer survival emergency kit! From first aid supplies and insect repellent to sunscreen and basic meals, making sure your summer emergency kit has everything you need to stay prepared for whatever life throws at you. No need to worry about the quick changing summer weather – these tips will help you build a kit that is perfect for any emergency!
Summer is a time for outdoor adventures, family vacations, and long days spent in the sun. But along with all the fun, summer also brings its fair share of emergencies, from severe weather events to unexpected injuries. To make sure you’re ready for anything, it’s important to have a summer survival emergency kit on hand at all times.
Why Do I Need an Emergency Preparedness Kit?
Making sure you have the essential items you should include in your summer emergency kit does more than let you enjoy the summer in peace. It also ensures you’re ready for anything that may happen during the warmer months.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that emergencies can happen at any time and in any place; especially during the summer months. After all, you never know where and when the next disaster strike may come.
Whether you’re on a hiking trip or lounging in your own backyard, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. That’s why having a well-stocked emergency kit or a bug-out bag is so important.
With the right supplies, you’ll be able to handle everything from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries, natural disasters, and emergencies.
Basic Disaster Supplies
So, what should you include in your summer emergency kit? Let’s take a closer look.
First Aid Kit
The first item on your list should be a comprehensive first aid kit that includes the essentials you might need in a minor medical emergency. This should include things such as:
- bandages
- gauze pads
- adhesive tape
- antiseptic wipes or antiseptic spray
- tweezers
- medical scissors, and any other items you might need to clean and dress a wound.
You should also include a supply of over-the-counter pain relievers and any prescription medications you or your family members take regularly.
If you’re traveling, make sure to pack enough medication for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of unforeseen delays And if you have pets, don’t forget to include any medication they may need as well. In addition to the physical items in your summer survival emergency kit, consider incorporating aspects of personal health and well-being. For example, NAD injections in Los Angeles are becoming a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their wellness routine. These injections, known for boosting energy and cellular health, are an innovative way to stay energized and focused throughout the demanding summer months in the city.
Sun Protection
Summer is all about fun in the sun, but it’s important to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. That means packing plenty of sunscreen, UV hats, and sunglasses.
Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and that it’s broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
If you’re spending time in or near water, make sure to choose a waterproof formula that won’t wash off and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
If you don’t want to use commercially made sunscreen, we have a very nice DIY Sunscreen recipe here on the site. You can find it HERE. I have used it for years now with a lot of success.
Insect Repellent
Summer is also prime time for pesky insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. To avoid bites and stings, pack plenty of bug spray and insect repellent supplies such as citronella candles or mosquito coils. You should also pack antihistamines such as Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream in case of allergic reactions or itching.
If you’re traveling to an area where insect-borne illnesses like Zika Virus, West Nile Virus or Lyme disease are a concern, make sure to do your research and take any necessary precautions.
For those looking for a more natural or frugal option, consider making homemade bug spray and DIY Citronella Candles. You can find those recipes HERE and HERE.
Emergency Shelter
Shelter is one of the most important things that can be included in emergency survival kits. This is especially true during summer months, because in case of sudden storms or other unexpected events, it’s important to have a way to shelter yourself and your family.
Simply put, not having some form of shelter can quite literally put you into a life or death situation in the wrong conditions.
Your emergency shelter does not need to be complicated; a lightweight, waterproof tent, a canopy with walled sides or a simple blue tarp or plastic sheeting will work as a temporary solution and in most situations..
Make sure to choose a size that’s appropriate for your group and that you know how to set it up quickly and efficiently. You should also include emergency blankets or sleeping bags, as well as warm, extra clothing in case of cold temperature after weather or at night.
Water and Food
In an emergency situation, access to clean water and nourishing food can be limited; especially if you are vacationing on a summer camping trip or are at the beach but far from a town. . That’s why it’s important to include these items in your emergency kit.
Try to pack at least one gallon of water per person per day, as well as a portable water filter or water purification tablets in case you need to treat water from an untested source.
For food, choose non-perishable items like energy bars, canned goods, and dried fruits and nuts. Make sure to rotate these items out every few months so they don’t expire.
It can also be helpful to carry a few days worth of freeze dried emergency food with you as well. This food only needs water to be rehydrated and is extremely light weight making it perfect for carrying.
Like with medications, be sure you also account for your pets when packing your survival gear.
Tools and Supplies
Finally, your emergency kit should include a variety of tools and supplies that can help you in a range of situations.
This might include a multi-tool such as a Leatherman, duct tape, a storm whistle, and a high lumen flashlight with extra batteries.
A fire starter or waterproof, strike anywhere matches can also be useful in case you need to start a fire for warmth or cooking.
If you’re traveling by car, make sure to include a spare tire, tire jack, and jumper cables.
What Else May Be Included to a Summer Emergency Kit?
In addition to these essential items, it’s important to tailor your emergency kit to your specific needs and circumstances. If you have young children, for example, you may want to include extra diapers, baby wipes, and formula.
If you or someone in your family has a medical condition, make sure to include any necessary supplies like insulin and a medication cooler to keep it cool or an inhaler. And if you’re traveling internationally, research any specific requirements or restrictions on medications or medical supplies.
Once you’ve assembled your emergency kit, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place that’s easily accessible. You may want to keep one kit at home and a smaller backpack option in your car if you’re traveling frequently.
Make sure everyone in your family knows where the kit is stored and how to use its contents.
If you are not ready to build separate kits, you can looking into buying pre-made survival kits. You can generally find ones that are well put together for beginners and are able to be used in many different situations.
What to Know About Buying a Survival Kit
In addition to having a well-stocked emergency kit, there are a few other steps you can take to stay safe and prepared during the summer months. These include:
- Staying informed about weather conditions and potential hazards in your area. Sign up for emergency alerts and keep an eye on local news and weather reports.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, make sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Checking for ticks and other insects after spending time outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers and monitor the bite site for any signs of illness.
- Knowing basic first aid skills like how to perform CPR, treat a burn or insect bite, and stabilize a broken bone.
Having a well-stocked emergency kit is an essential part of staying safe and prepared during the summer months. By including items like a first aid kit, sun protection, insect repellent, emergency shelter, water and food, and tools and supplies, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.
Don’t forget to tailor your kit to your specific needs and circumstances, and make sure everyone in your family knows how to use its contents. With a little preparation and foresight, you can enjoy all the fun and adventure of summer without having to worry about emergencies.